The United Nations Universal Periodic Review -A Guide for NGOs in Scotland

Date: 16th September 2014
Category: Basic Health and Welfare
Author: Human Rights Consortium Scotland

The Human Rights Consortium Scotland and the Glasgow University Law in Action initiative have collaborated to provide a Guide on the UN's 'Universal Periodic Review' of the UK's human rights record.

In May 2012, the UN Human Rights Council made 132 recommendations to the UK on improving human rights in the UK and that includes Scotland. The recommendations covered economic, social, cultural, civil, political and environmental rights. There is a danger that these recommendations are known only to a few and that there is little Government activity in giving them effect.

The Human Rights Consortium Scotland and the Glasgow University Law in Action initiative have harnessed their resources to provide this Guide for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Scotland. They urge you to look at existing problems through a human rights lens to progress and to secure a resolution and to help change the culture in Scotland so that 'asks' of the State are framed in human rights values and standards. They hope you will be inspired to action by checking out the recommendations, identifying which ones apply to your organisation and service users and then liaise with the respective public sector body to ensure that the recommendation is implemented.

The Guide outlines the context and activity in Scotland; the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, human rights in the UK and Scotland and how to use the UPR recommendations. It also presents a case example of the work carried out by Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights) as using the UPR process effectively.

Glasgow University Law in Action is volunteering to help NGOs apply the 132 recommendations to improve human rights protection in Scotland. Details of how to make contact are included in the Guide.

• Download a copy of the Guide here.